Why it's time for Dallas ISD to rethink its headquarters

Like any other corporate entity, Dallas Independent School District has been rethinking the effectiveness of its longtime headquarters, which has sprawled throughout a number of properties in Dallas.

And while It doesn't appear Dallas ISD officials are ready to make a move yet on the proposed Belo building buy, there's a decision that needs to be made sooner rather than later, John Crawford, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas Inc., told the Dallas Business Journal.

"Dallas ISD has been looking down this road before," Crawford told me. "If they purchase the former Belo building, they'd be smart to do that. The maintenance required to bring their current properties up to speed will cost millions. There are also other real estate opportunities that could make sense for them, but I'm hopeful they can move forward."

Dallas ISD did not immediately respond to an interview request Friday. The former Belo building, at 400 S. Record St., is now owned by Gannett Co.

Deferred maintenance costs, as well as the sprawl of Dallas ISD's offices, create a number of real estate inefficiencies the school district needs to address sooner rather than later, he told me.

"This is no different than any company that's been in a facility for a long time, they need to consider these inefficiencies as they move forward," Crawford said, adding the school district has been operating off Ross Avenue for more than 25 years.

"I would hope they certainly look at this right now with school being out and how Dallas ISD will move forward in the next few years," he told me. "But I think they will look and re-look at real estate before they make a decision."